Israeli President Isaac Herzog delivered a heartfelt eulogy for Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, expressing deep regret and seeking forgiveness on behalf of the State of Israel. The emotional ceremony took place at Goldberg-Polin's funeral in Jerusalem, where President Herzog acknowledged the tragic loss and the pain felt by the victim's family and loved ones.
President Herzog apologized for the state's failure to protect Goldberg-Polin and the other captives during the devastating events of October 7. He emphasized the country's responsibility to ensure the safety of its citizens and vowed to take urgent action to rescue the remaining hostages still held by Hamas.
Goldberg-Polin, a 23-year-old dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, was among the six hostages brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists in Gaza. The Israeli military confirmed that the hostages were killed during a rescue mission as Israeli forces closed in on the terrorists.
The tragic incident prompted a response from U.S. officials, with President Biden and Vice President Harris convening a negotiation team to address the situation. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed outrage at the killings and emphasized the need to hold Hamas leaders accountable for their crimes.
Currently, Hamas continues to hold 101 hostages, including seven Americans, following the attacks on October 7. The international community is calling for swift action to secure the release of all remaining captives and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The funeral for Hersh Goldberg-Polin drew thousands of mourners, highlighting the impact of his story and the efforts made by his family to secure his release. The tragic events serve as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by terrorist organizations and the importance of unity in combating such atrocities.